Selection of suitable areas for rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensi) plantation using GIS-data in Laos

Khitlaxay Kokmila, Woo Kyun Lee, Seongjin Yoo, Jae Gyun Byun, Sangcheol Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The Lao government has a policy of promoting Laos to become a leading rubber exporter in the world market by the year 2020. However, the implementation showed serious problems in terms of land allocation. Land leased to investors overlapped with farmlands of local people, creating conflicts between local people and investors, as well as between local people and local government authorities. In addition, the concession of areas without previous forestry survey has led to massive deforestations. These problems demonstrated that the local government needs to plan for and implement good land use management strategies. The aim of this study is not only to identify suitable areas for rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) plantation (SARTP) but also areas for forest and agriculture to model sustainable land use management in local areas. The study area conducted in Pakxong District, southern part of Laos, which total area covers approximately 345,545 ha, with forest covering about 232,721 ha. The geography database such as land use type; forest types; digital elevation model (DEM) resolution with 50m and soil characteristic were used integrate geographic information system (GIS) technique. Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) and restriction for producing suitable maps based on geographic data was defined. These information combines with overlay tools and weight overlay processing identify a land and forest allocation map, which includes SARTP, as well as a forest functions and agriculture area map.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)55-66
Number of pages12
JournalForest Science and Technology
Volume6
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was supported by the Korea Science & Engineering Foundation through the Joint Research Program (Grant No. F01-2008-000-10143-0).

Keywords

  • agriculture area map
  • forest functions
  • geographic information system (GIS)
  • suitable area for rubber tree plantation
  • weight overlay

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Forestry
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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